When Meghan Markle said “I do” in 2018, she didn’t only have to accept the fact that she is now a part of the royal family, but she also has to deal with the locals. Tom Bradby, the journalist behind the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s ITV documentary, shared that he gave the former actress a lesson, explaining why the royal family is so important to Britons.
Tom Bradby is a long-time friend of the royals, and he is close to Prince Harry. So when the Duke of Sussex married an American woman, he felt the need to explain things to Meghan Markle.
“Sometimes you try and explain to people not from this country our relationship with the monarchy,” he said. “I remember trying to explain it to Meghan a long time ago. It was one of the first times I met her. I remember thinking, ‘good luck with that one.’”
Tom Bradby then chose quite a fun way to differentiate the politics in the US and the monarchy. "But you’re trying to explain the way, for so many people, our view of our country and who we are is to some extent tied up with the people on the balcony,” he shared. “Because every time there’s a big national occasion, whether it’s VE Day, they’re up on the balcony. Or the Golden Jubilee.”
As for his relationship with the royals, Tom Bradby revealed that it’s not all rainbows and butterflies being friends with them. While being pals with the royal family members is amazing, the British journalist and novelist said that it comes with pressure.
“It's difficult because, on the one hand, I guess there's a positive in that you hope you're encouraging people to speak in a way they wouldn't otherwise," he said. "On the other hand, you're aware you're in a relationship and you're aware that they're in an unusual position and you don't want to let them down. It is a little bit complicated, I won't lie, and it definitely has its moments."
Meanwhile, Tom Bradby and Prince Harry’s close friendship was proven when the latter felt comfortable sharing his struggles with him in the Harry and Meghan: An African Journey documentary. The royal family members are known for not opening much to the public, but the Duke of Sussex revealed with him his feelings towards the negativity surrounding him and his wife.
